2014 Passover - Amazon Web Services

The Jewish Community Newspaper of Northwest Indiana
PASSOVER 5774 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 3 JEWISH FEDERATION OF NORTHWEST INDIANA
Passover holiday kindles family memories
By Carol Karol
Passover meant Seder at
Gramma and Grampas’.
It was a time for the
grandchildren to sit
around the table with the
adults and celebrate together.
My cousin Sharon and
I sat at the end of the table
with Gramma to be her helpers.
The others sat around Grampa.
The cousin to Grampa’s left
was to be the afikomen thief.
His job was to pilfer the afikomen for our use later in the
evening.
If he had trouble, Grampa was
kind enough to help.
After we sang the “Four Questions” and talked plagues and
learned something new and
watched my Aunt Rose and Mother get tipsy on a couple sips of Mogen David wine, it was time for
the festive meal.
It was soo good. And my cousin
and I were bringing out food and
clearing dishes.
My aunt and my mother were
still giddy. As the meal came to
a satisfied close, grampa would
reach for the afikoman and be
“shocked” that it was missing.
“Where is it?” The cousins would
r
e
v
o
s
s
a
P
y
p
p
Ha
from
President Barry Levin
Executive Director Michael Steinberg
the Administrative Staff
and Board of Directors
band together to barter for its return.
I actually do not remember what
we got in return for this dessert.
What I remember, with perfect
clarity, is Grampa’s face. The love
that lit up the room. That love for
Congratulations to Francie Gerson
Winner of the Passover Recipe Contest
Baked breast of chicken (Apricot)
us and his love for Judaism...for
more than 50 years I have carried
that memory.
It is my best Jewish memory.
What Is Your Best Jewish Memory?
Send me your best Jewish memory. Let’s write a book of “Joy” to-
gether...
Send your story by email to:
[email protected]
or by U.S. Postal Service:
Carol Karol
8243 Schreiber Ave.
Munster, Ind. 46321
Israel Solidarity Day festivities feature
Israeli artists, musicians vendors, food
Serves 6
6 boneless/skinless chicken breasts
1 cup soup nut crumbs (usually available for Passover)
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp white pepper
2 eggs well beaten
1 cup apricot preserves
½ cup white wine
2 Tbls pareve margarine
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Rinse and dry chicken .
2. Combine soup nut crumbs, ginger, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a
shallow dish.
3. Dip each chicken breast in beaten egg, then in crumb mixture. Arrange
in a single layer in a baking pan.
4. Combine preserves, wine and margarine. Microwave on high setting
for 5 minutes, or bring to a boil in a small saucepan. Pour over chicken
breasts and bake for 1 hour.
The Dayan Family singers will perform at Israel Solidarity Day Sunday,
May 4. See Page 12 for more details on the events scheduled for the day.
COMMUNITY HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY/YOM HA SHOAH SERVICE 7 P.M. APRIL 27 SEE P. 10 FOR DETAILS
Illiana News Passover/April 2014 Page 2
The Search for Chametz
By Rabbi Shoshana Feferman
Temple Israel Porter County
Congregation Beth Israel
There is a Chassidic story about
a young and ambitious scholar
who on Erev Pesach rushed to his
learned respected Rabbi in great
distress.
“Rebbe”, he cried, “I came home
from the Yeshivah a few hours
ago, and found out that the table
was not set, my five children were
not bathed, and the house was a
mess! How can I concentrate on
my studies when I have such
problems? What should I do? It’s
almost Pesach!”
The scholar was almost breathless, waiting for the Rebbe to respond with empathy. To his surprise, the rabbi responded, “What
should you do? Go home quickly
and grab a broom!”
The Torah commands us not to
eat chametz, anything leavened,
for seven days. Matzah, the bread
of affliction, has to be eaten during Passover to remind us that the
Israelites hurried to depart from
Egypt, and therefore couldn’t
wait for the dough to rise. The
Torah goes even further to warn
us that we should not even have
any chametz in the house during
the seven days of Pesach.
On the night before the Seder,
one must clean out all the rooms
in the house, and all the pockets
of the clothes, in case some chametz was left there. The next day
which is the day of the Seder, a
search with a candle and feather
must be done; a thorough search
is needed.
Chametz, which is forbidden
during Pesach, also has a spiritual meaning: it symbolizes the
evil inclination and the bad deeds
which we should get rid of.
We face the evil inclination
wherever we go, and learn to
fight it and keep the temptation and wrong-doing away from
us, the same as keeping away
chametz from our houses. The
search, which has to be done with
a candle, symbolizes the commandments we have to perform.
It is said in the book of Proverbs:
“For a commandment is a candle
and the Torah is light.”
By performing God’s commandments, we increase the sense of
holiness and are able to push evil
from within us.
Searching for chametz is like
self-examination for sins. Six
months after Yom Kippur we are
obligated to search our soul for
sins we may have committed, to
the best of our ability, and according to our strength and activities. For example, people who
are learned must examine themselves with regards to their wisdom. Have they used their intellect to learn Torah and become
better, or have they misused their
knowledge for evil purposes?
People, who are blessed with financial wealth, should use their
wealth as a “candle” to light their
search. Did they use their wealth
as required, and were they generous and giving, or did they use
it only for themselves without
thinking about the poor?
Our sages suggested that we
must examine ourselves by the
light of a small candle, which is
not strong and blinding, so we
can open our eyes and see the
wrong inside us. People who examine themselves with humility
will see their small faults and
will strive to correct them and get
rid of them.
Joshua said to the Israelites:
“Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Eternal will work
wonders in your midst.” Clean
yourself from all wrong doings,
look inside yourself, and when
you find the chametz in you, use
the opportunity to clean your
“spiritual house”.
On behalf of the members of
Temple Israel in Valparaiso, I
wish you all a happy and meaningful Passover!
Shaliach’s role to reinforce
Jewish identification with Israel
By Mor Rintzler
Community Shaliach
Last month I mentioned it has
been half a year since I arrived at
the Jewish Community of Northwest Indiana.
I now can reflect on beautiful
moments I’ve experienced since
then: The successful Tu B’Shvat
Seder we had, special connections with people from the community, different programs that
I did with the Adult Friendship
Club, a first-of-its-kind activity
with NOAR and Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley in South
Bend’s youth group “Sababah,”
speaking in various churches in
the area about Israel and Jewish
life–and most importantly–after
half a year I can say I really feel
at home thanks to you.
I remember when the recruiters
at the Jewish Agency For Israel’s
office asked me my opinion of the
role of an Israeli Shaliach in the
Jewish community. My answer
was very simple. Since I am limited to words, I’ll put it briefly, “to
bring Israel into the community.”
It’s a pretty simple statement
that hides the privilege and the
importance of its work.
Today, when I look at Israel
Staff
Michael Steinberg
Executive Director
[email protected]
Roseanne Sopher
K’Ton Ton Preschool Director
[email protected]
Mor Rintzler
Community Shaliach
[email protected]
Angela Christner
Bookkeeper / Accountant
[email protected]
Denise Snyder
Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Charlotte Herr
Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Nancy Coltun Webster
Cross-Media Editor
[email protected]
Editorial Board
Len Dreyfus, Co-Editor
Carol Karol, Co-Editor
Ernest Fruehauf
Lou Kaplan
Barbara Waxman
Correspondents
Barbara Waxman
Congregation Beth Israel
Ed Frank
Sinai Temple
Miriam Marcus
Temple Beth El
Leonard Dreyfus
Temple Israel Miller
Ann Goldman
Temple Israel Porter
Jewish Federation
of Northwest Indiana
Officers
Barry Levin, President
Barbara Waxman, VP
Laurie Young, VP
Chanie Zalmanov, VP
Judy Katz, Secretary
David Williger, Treasurer
The Illiana Jewish News is published
three times per year under the supervision of the Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana. Organizations may send
their publicity requests by mail, email or
fax. The Federation reserves the right to
reject any material for any reason and
to edit, at its own discretion, any material accepted for publication.
OPERATION PURIM: The funds raised in Northwest Indiana were used to
create Purim Baskets made by the (above) members of the Youth Forum in
our Federation’s partnership with Western Galilee. These volunteers help
in many areas of the Western Galilee.
from afar, I understand much
more the meaning of Jewish identity, Zionism and ethical life outside of Israel. It is not obvious to
be part of the process of supporting Israel.
Projects like “Operation Purim,”
to raise money to send baskets to
lonely soldiers in the Israel Defense Force, reinforce the impor-
tance and the enormous contribution that even a small Jewish
community like Northwest Indiana has to give Israel.
And I thank you for that.
In honor of the upcoming Passover holiday, I wish you all a
Happy Passover! I hope that this
year you celebrate along with the
people most dear to you.
Jewish Federation
585 Progress Ave.
Munster, IN 46321
Phone: 219-922-4024
FAX: 219-922-4034
[email protected]
www.federationonline.org
facebook.com/federationonline
CAMPAIGN 2014
Illiana News Passover/April 2014 Page 3
Cocktail party jumpstarts annual effort
Thank you to Lisa and Barry Rooth for chairing
this beautiful event. All were happy to hear
from Lauren Chapin of “Father Knows Best”
fame. Carol Karol, Ann Pekarsky and Judy
Rooth are actively planning the rest of your
Annual Campaign.
Watch this space for details!
Illiana News Passover/April 2014 Page 4
Jewish Community Services
Pajama Day (left and center), arts and crafts (right) .
K’Ton Ton had fun making pancakes on Pajama Day
Registration opens for summer and fall classes
By Roseanne Sopher
Preschool Director
K’Ton Ton had several celebrations in February.
We brought a little bit of springtime inside with
a great Tu B’Shevat project. Mor, our Israeli Shaliach, worked with the children to make creative
3-dimensional trees and plants. We had Pajama
Day and made pancakes. We celebrated our 100th
Day of School with a pizza party. Thank you to the
moms that helped make and serve the pizzas.
We enjoyed preparing for the spring holidays of
Purim and Passover. Children dressed up in costumes and shared treats, and baked hamantashen
for Purim. Rabbi Zukrow joined us to tell the story
of Esther. We enjoyed a model seder for Passover
led by Rabbi Levin. Children helped prepare the
foods and set the table.
We are planning a special event for Spring. A
musical program will be presented by Joel Frankel, a singer, songwriter, and teacher from the
Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. He is
also the Music Director at Anshe Emet Congregation. Joel has written four childrens’ albums. He
will bring his guitar and entertain our
classes.
Our After-School Programs are
well attended. Children participate
in Afternoon Enrichment in addition
• Mother’s Day Tea MAY 9
to Tumble Bear Gymnastics, Dance
• Graduation/Spring Program May 22
Instruction, and Pee Wee Sports. We
offer Kidz Kare on Tuesday and ThursIT IS NOT TOO EARLY TO SIGN UP FOR
day afternoons.
KAMP K’TON TON AND FALL PRESCHOOL
The Mommy ’N Me and Me “Two”
Like US Online!
participants have been enjoying their
www.facebook.com/KTonTonPreschoolPrograms
preschool experiences. The toddlers
have made so much progress during the
school year. Many are looking forward
opportunity to address any concerns parents have
to attending KAMP K’Ton Ton this summer as well about raising children in today’s society.
as enrolling in K’Ton Ton Preschool for the 2014-15
Registration is now open for K’Ton Ton Programschool year.
ming.
K’Ton Ton parents and the Preschool CommitRegistration forms are available for 2014 KAMP
tee have had informative speakers. Mrs. Lisa Hor- K’Ton Ton as well as K’Ton Ton Preschool, Mommy
vath and Mrs. Debbie Gronkiewicz, Kindergarten ‘N Me, and Me “Two” Toddler Programs for the
teachers from Frank Hammond School in Munster, 2014 - 2015 school year. You are welcome to come
will meet with parents to discuss the transition to in to visit and observe our classes. Please call RoseKindergarten and Beyond. Judy Rooth will join us anne at the Federation 219-922-4024 or K’Ton Ton
for what has become our annual “Chat.” This is an 219-922-4033.
Save the Date!
JCS NEEDS VOLUNTEERS TO TUTOR CHILDREN AT HAMMOND SCIENCE ACADEMY CALL NOW: 219-922-4024
I Illiana News Passover/April 2014 Page 5
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who
who we are
The Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana is comprised of nearly 100 very
devoted volunteers whose efforts are supported by the contributions of more than 800
generous financial donors. These engaged community members are facilitated by an
executive director, Jewish Community Services director, administrative assistants
and a bookkeeper.
YOU can join us by attending an event or bringing us an idea.
what what we do
Federation is a local Jewish philanthropic
organization created to fulfill the social service needs
of Jewish Community members of all ages. It oversees local community relations issues. Through its
membership in The Jewish Federations of North
America, it shares a portion of its funds to sustain,
improve and enrich the lives of Jewish people in
Israel and throughout the world.
MISSION: Enrich Jewish life in Northwest Indiana,
Israel and around the world through service,
programming, advocacy and fundraising.
when
when we started
The local Federation formed in the late
1930’s when a group of Gary’s
caring Jews decided to help rescue Jews
striving to escape the perils of Hitler’s
ravaged Europe. Dozens of thankful
refugees came to Northwest Indiana to
find jobs and a place to live.
As other communities in Northwest
Indiana joined forces and shared financial
resources, Federation grew into an
extended family of caring volunteers.
where
where to find us
The Jewish Federation
of Northwest Indiana, Inc.
is located in the
The Bernard & Estelle Marcus
Jewish Community Building
585 Progress Ave., Munster, Ind., 46321
Our building is named for the late Bernard
Marcus and his wife, Estelle–the principal
building contributors–but we are thankful
for and remember all of our generous building and organizational contributors.
Find us online:
www.federationonline.org
facebook.com/federationonline
or call: 219-922-4024
why
why we’re needed
The Jewish Federation represents not only our
community in Northwest Indiana but is a branch
of national and international Jewish organizations. We communicate and translate the need
and purpose from these umbrella organizations
to our community and back. Our membership in
The Jewish Federations of North America fulfills
our responsibility for offering a dedicated and responsible connection to K’lal Yisroel...our Jewish
brethren worldwide.
An insightful member of our community said,
“If there weren’t already a Federation,
we’d start one!”
how how you can help
The Federation provides opportunities to volunteer and participate in many arenas....food
pantry, programming for youth, adults and seniors, education, social services, and so much
more. Give of your valuable time for a one time or ongoing volunteer experience. Have your
voice heard by considering being active on one of our many committees and/or being a
member of our board. Contribute generously to our annual campaign.
Your campaign contributions allow Federation to respond to the many needs of service
and programming in our community, the U.S., Israel and worldwide. We build community;
each person who gives their time as a volunteer or donates money, fuels the organization.
Many
ent
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Returns
Jewish Federation
of NORTHWEST INDIANA
www.federationonline.org
facebook.com/federationonline
219-922-4024
why how • who what where when why how • who what where when why how • who what where when why how • who what where when why how •
HERE’S
HOW
YOUR
YOU
who
what where
when
whyFEDERATION
how • who whatBRINGS
where when
whyMANY
how • HAPPY
who whatRETURNS
where when
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Illiana News Passover/April 2014 Page 6
CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Excellent Religious School
Daily & Shabbat Services
Monthly Shabbat Dinners
Social Programming
Adult Education
Social Action/Tikkun Olam
Warm, Diverse Community
Affordable Dues
Traditional Jewish Values
Fully Egalitarian
INTERMARRIED FAMILIES WELCOME!
535 Progress Avenue Munster, IN 46321 219.922.0101 www.cbi-nwi.org
HUNGER
DOESN’T
DISCRIMINATE.
With so many people out of work, many people
in our own community are forced to choose
between paying the rent and putting food on
the table. Today, more people are turning to
us for assistance than ever before. Help us
ensure that no one is turned away.
THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE.
THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.
www.federationonline.org
www.facebook.com/federationonline
Jewish Federation
OF NORTHWEST INDIANA
Contact Jewish Community Services
219-922-4024
Our congregation is an inspiring
house of community, prayer,
education, dedication,
volunteerism, support, love and joy.
2800 Franklin Street
Michigan City, IN 46360
219-874-4477
www.sinaitemplemc.org
Rabbi Reni Dickman
Illiana News Passover/April 2014 Page 7
Come Experience
Our Warmth
You may lose yourself for
an evening, but find yourself
for a lifetime!
Temple Israel Miller
Just a stroll from Lake Michigan
and the majestic Indiana Dunes
Member of Union of Reform Judaism.
Sabbath Services
Friday 7:30 p.m.
Temple Beth-El
Send for our brochure:
Temple Israel
601 N. Montgomery
Gary, IN 46403
219-938-5232
www.templeisraelmiller.org
Rabbi Len Zukrow
Shabbat services each Friday at 7:30 p.m.
10001 Columbia Avenue, Munster IN 46321
219-934-9600
Member of Union for Reform Judaism
www.templebethel-munster.org
Temple Israel of Porter County
1405 East Evans Avenue
P.O. Box 2051
Valparaiso, IN 46384
219-464-0159
Rabbi Shoshana Feferman
Members prepare monthly family
Shabbat dinners and celebrate together.
REGISTRATION
OPEN FOR
K’TON TON
PROGRAMS
K’Ton Ton offers preschool and summer camp programs for 3- to
5-year-old children. The programs are geared to meet the needs
of growth and self-expression under trained, competent staff
supervision. We want your child’s first school experience to be
a happy and supportive one. It is our goal to help develop your
child’s positive self image and the social and cognitive skills appropriate to his or her developmental level. We assert the right
of each child to be a special and unique individual. K’Ton Ton is
sponsored by Jewish Community Services, under the auspices
of the Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana.
Contact Roseanne Sopher, preschool director, 219-922-4024
Illiana News Passover/April 2014 Page 8
y how • who what where when why how • who what where when why how • who what where when why how • who what where when why how •
Where does the money go?
Your gift to Federation provides funds to meet the ongoing humanitarian
and social service needs of our local and global Jewish community. The part
of your gift that remains in our own community funds the many programs
offered to our community through Federation’s Jewish Community Services
(JCS) division.
The Jewish Community Relations Council is the arm of the Jewish Federation
committed to building bridges within our own Jewish community and the
community at large. This includes connecting with legislators, Holocaust
Education, working relationships with the Christian and Muslim communities,
and countering anti-Semitism.
Annual
Campaign
Supports
Education
Adult Education
Scholarships
Camp
Education
Israel Programs
Financial assistance to adults and youth
Assistance Programs
Casework
Senior Adults
“Back-to-School Backpacks”
Holiday financial assistance
Holiday gifts
Adult Friendship Club
Social, cultural, educational programming for seniors
Counseling
Youth
JCY Day Camp
Summer day camp program for elementary school children
K’Ton Ton
Preschool program to pre-K
8 week summer program
For two-year-olds on their own
Kamp K’Ton Ton
Me “Two”
Mommy ’N Me
Introduction to preschool for toddlers and their caregivers
Referrals for those seeking counseling
Holiday Meals
NOAR
Services to the Aged
SKIP
Job Bank
Visits To Nursing Home
Other Services
Kosher Meals on Wheels
Social Programming
All holidays are celebrated at AFC Lunches
Food Pantry
Groceries to those in need
Gemillut Chasadim
Volunteers visit patients in nursing homes and hospitals
Help with job search
Hot meals delivered
Teen social service project
Nursing home placement
Rides to the doctor
Home visits
Film Series
Mitzvah Program
Films with Jewish content
Adults 50 plus
Social and educational
programs for adults 50 plus
Prime Timers
Religious Services
Teens lead Shabbat services at nursing homes
Senior Retreat
Youth group for 7th grade through high school
Send a Kid To Israel Program
Missions to Israel
Joint Programs with area
Congregations
Illiana News
Jewish Community Relations Council
Leadership Development
Jewish Federation has earned a reputation as a trusted, effective charity
that makes a real difference in Northwest Indiana.
Your support sustains a caring, compassionate community that unites in good times and bad
to take care of each other and to celebrate Jewish life together.
A contribution to your local Jewish Federation is the one gift that does it all.
Because we work together
as a community.
Many
Jewish
Federation
t
n
e
Happy
Returns
vem s:
l
o
v
r in
ield
u
Y
o
Y
of NORTHWEST INDIANA
www.federationonline.org
facebook.com/federationonline
219-922-4024
why how • who what where when why how • who what where when why how • who what where when why how • who what where when why how •
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Illiana News Passover/April 2014 Page 9
Temple Beth-El honors 50th anniversary of Czech scroll
Reprinted with permission from The Times of
Northwest Indiana
By Rob Earnshaw Times Correspondent
MUNSTER │ Sylvia Heller and her husband
Arthur were tourists exploring London in
1999 when the Munster couple stumbled upon
Westminister Synagogue, home to 1,564 historic Czech Holocaust Torah Scrolls.
They helped obtain one a year later for Temple Beth-El in Munster, which celebrated the
Memorial Scrolls 50th anniversary in February. The global observance, marked the scrolls
arrival.
Temple Beth-El’s celebration joined with congregations around the world that are caretakers for Torah Scrolls from Czech synagogues.
The scrolls were found after World War II and
transferred to Westminster where they were
made available to congregations around the
world to care for them.
Heller, a member of Temple Beth-El, told
the story about how in 1938 Hitler’s troops occupied an area in Czechoslovakia and forced
its Jews to turn in valuables including gold
and silver.
“They had nothing more valuable than the
word of God – their Torahs,” Heller said.
The Czech Jews turned in the 1,564 scrolls
to the Nazis who then stored them in a Prague
Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana,
along with members of Temple BethEl and Congregation Beth Israel, joined
with City of Gary and the Food Bank of
Northwest Indiana to pack and deliver
groceries to those in need. The day included a special lunch with the area senior residents.
synagogue-turned-warehouse.
Heller said the Nazis took the scrolls because they wanted to make a museum to an
extinct people.
“They were killing all the Jews and keeping
the Torahs,” she said.
In 1963, an English art dealer became aware
of the cache of scrolls and made a deal with
a backer in London to have them carefully
shipped to Westminster. They arrived on Feb.
7, 1964, to be cared for and restored.
It was at this synagogue Heller and her husband found by chance on their walking tour,
knocked on the door and were given a tour by
a caretaker who led to the room of scrolls.
“When we walked in there it was just mindblowing,” Heller said. “We had no idea what
we were going to find. Art was the one who
said ‘we’ve got to bring one home.’ ”
The Hellers worked with Temple Beth-El
and had scroll No. 369 sent to its new Munster
home in the winter of 2000.
The scrolls are on permanent loan from
Westminster to synagogues, temples and museums for general religious Holocaust memorial and educational use. A scroll is only to be
returned if the caretaker that holds it ceases
to exist.
Temple Beth-El Rabbi Emeritus Michael
Stevens remembers when the scroll arrived.
Stevens said they are “very fortunate” to have
one of the Holocaust scrolls.
Darren Kwiatkowski, Temple Beth-El’s art director created this poster for the Scrolls event in
London.
Illiana News Passover/April 2014 Page10
Holocaust Remembrance Day/Yom Ha Shoah: 7 p.m. Sunday, April 27
CBI hosts annual memorial service
Congregation Beth Israel, 535
Progress Ave., Munster, will host
congregations in Northwest Indiana and the South Suburbs at 7
p.m., Sunday, April 27 for a meaningful Yom Ha Shoah Memorial
service to observe Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Yom Ha Shoah, The Day of Remembrance, is observed in the
Illiana region each year at a different congregation. The service is
coordinated by the congregations
in Northwest Indiana and southern suburbs in Illinois.
In addition to the traditional memorial service programming, this year the service will
include middle school and high
school students from the congregational communities as well as
Federation’s NOAR teen group.
This inclusion is designed to help
ensure the concept of remem-
brance is carried on to the next
generation, said Michael Steinberg, executive director of the
Jewish Federation.
“This is an important message
we need to send to our community
and especially to our children,”
Steinberg said.
Participating congregations and
rabbis include:
Congregation Beth Israel
Rabbi Mordechai Levin
Temple Beth-El
Rabbi Len Zukrow
Temple Israel of Miller
Temple Israel of Valparaiso
Rabbi Shoshana Feferman
Am Echad of Park Forest
B’nai Yehuda Beth Shalom
Rabbi Carmit Harari
Anshe Sholom
of Olympia Fields
Rabbi Paul Caplan
Jill Cuvala Bat Mitzvah
Jill Cuvala will be called to the Torah on
Saturday, April 12
at Temple Beth El.
Jill is the daughter
of Sherri and Ken
Cuvala and sister
to Michael. She is
the granddaughter
of Joann and Bill
Braman and Dolly
Dexter. Jill is a 7th
grade honor student at Wilbur Wright Middle School and a
member of the dance team.
Jill was very touched by a visit to the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C. She
was especially moved by the deaths of all of
the innocent children…children that would
never be able to celebrate their Bar/Bat
Mitzvahs. After seeing the pile of over 4000
shoes that belonged to the innocent victims,
Jill decided to collect new and gently used
shoes for her Mitzvah project. The shoes will
be donated to local organizations in memory
of those who lost their lives and in honor of
all of the children that perhaps never owned
a new pair of shoes.
Jill enjoys dance, dance, and more dance,
hanging out with her friends and spending
time at the beach. She would like to thank
everyone who helped to support her project.
Hidden Children authors read from new
book ‘Out of Chaos’ May 7 at Federation
Judith Strauss of Chicago and the South
Suburbs and Miriam Webster of Schererville along with fellow authors Marguerite
Lederman Mishkin and Walter Reed will
present a special reading of their anthology
“Out of Chaos: Hidden Children Remember the Holocaust” at 7 p.m., Wednesday,
May 7 at the Jewish Federation Community
Building, 585 Progress Ave.
The anthology, published in August by
Northwest University Press and edited by
Elaine Saphier Fox has been nominated for
the Jewish Book of the Year Award.
The stories express the memories and reactions to a wide range of experiences. The writers recall being on the run between different countries, escaping over mountains, hiding and even sometimes forgetting
their Jewish identities in convents and rescuers’ homes and hovels,
basements and attics. Some writers chose to write story clusters, each
one capturing a moment or incident and often disconnected by memory or temporal and spatial divides.
Temple Israel members soldier on despite
loss of long-time congregational leaders
By Leonard Dreyfus
The past 12 months have been
a startling mixture of highs and
lows for our congregation.
Saddened by the passing of
several of our aged congregational leaders, we rejoiced in
recalling their unique contributions helping us define who we
are, each for 60 years or more.
The first to leave us a little
over a year ago was Harry Berke, whose golden voice famed
our Kol Nidre services. Next
we lost Lou Pachter for whose
supportive family our temple’s
library is named. Ninety-four
year old Lydia Grady passed
away. If our temple were to
create a Mount Rushmore type
of tribute to honor the great
women who have led through
example in establishing our
temple’s unique reputation as a
fountain of social action accomplishments, then Lydia Grady
would proudly take her place
with Steel City’s Hall of Famers
Doris Finkle-Peltz and Lotte
Meyerson.
Most recently in our memo-
rial service for Bob Rottenberg,
who served as president of our
congregation on three different
occasions, we thought MVP status for his contributions was appropriate.
In retrospect, we celebrate
these treasures because we realize the good fortune we experienced for their very presence
among us for over six decades.
Rather than crippling our
spirits, President Darlene Navarro and a cadre of spirited
board members and other remaining congregational leaders
used our departed exemplary
leadership models to reinvigorate our own temple activity
goals. As a result, we can proudly report that this past year saw
our temple, under the leadership of Deb Weiss and Elaine
Spicer, offer a successful Empty
Bowls Food Bank of Northwest
Indiana fundraiser featuring an
exhibit of ceramic bowl artistry.
Other successful temple programs included a program of
music and dancing that featured the artistry of Greta Pope.
Robin Rich and Rebecca
Hanscom offered a Yard Sale
for Gan Shalom (our temple’s
community garden) and a Charlie King music concert.
The sisterhood, under the
leadership of Marlene Rothenberg and her daughter, Lisa Giglio, treated us to another barbeque feast, assisted by other
sisterhood members.
Robin Rich, Rebecca Hanscom, and Sean Egan again offered the community our most
successful fund raiser, our Trivia Night.
In April our temple will host
its annual Peace and Justice
Seder.
So you can see that Miller’s
Temple Israel is happily still
alive and offering our Jewish
community and the community
at large exemplary events. With
apologies to Francis Scott Key
we, perhaps facetiously suggest
that Temple Israel’s six-pointed-star banner still waves o’er
the band of the grieved and the
home of the raves.
What Happened to the Darkness?
By Rabbi Eliezer Zalmanov
A group of well-meaning Jewish leaders
once approached the Lubavitcher Rebbe
with a very interesting request. They were
in the beginning stages of a campaign, and
they felt that if the project had the Rebbe’s
backing, it would be extremely successful.
The idea was to get every Jewish family
in the world to have an empty seat at their
seder table in honor of the millions of Jews
trapped in the former Soviet Union, behind
the Iron Curtain.
When the Rebbe heard their suggestion he
responded, “That’s a great idea, every family
should indeed have a seat at the table to re-
member an oppressed Jew. But it shouldn’t
remain empty—it should be filled with someone who otherwise would not have a place at
the seder.”
Those familiar with the Rebbe’s style will
agree that this was the Rebbe’s approach to
all matters; productivity is always the best
response to an adverse situation.
I’m reminded of this story whenever I hear
or read about a new-age concept aimed at
stirring the collective Jewish psyche. The objective of many tikun olam projects, innovations aimed at ‘repairing the world,’ seems
to be all about making one feel good, but is
absent of the spiritual components of a mitzvah.
The purpose of mitzvahs is not to make us
feel good. It’s about fulfilling G-d’s will; and if
we happen to feel good along the way, that’s
great. A Jew performing a mitzvah, even
if it’s something he or she does not understand, accomplishes true tikun olam. When
a man wraps tefillin or a woman lights Shabbat candles, they are repairing the world and
making it a place G-d can call home.
Now that is something to feel good about.
Rabbi Zalmanov is co-director of Chabad of
Northwest Indiana. He can be reached at:
[email protected].
Illiana News Passover/April 2014 Page 11
Congregation Beth Israel installs Rabbi Levin
By Barbara Waxman
We formally welcomed Rabbi
Mordechai Levin to Congregation Beth Israel with an installation ceremony earlier this year
at which Rabbi Emeritus Raphael Ostrovsky was the featured
speaker. It was a festive morning attended by a large number
of well wishers who also enjoyed
a lovely brunch.
At our annual congregational meeting, we welcomed new
president Marilyn Hirsch while
gratefully acknowledging the
service and dedication of outgoing president, Ed Sopher.
We celebrated Purim with the
Megilla reading, a short play depicting the Story of Esther and a
delicious dinner. CBI’s Sisterhood
baked delectable hamantaschen.
On April 6, Rabbi Levin discussed “How to Enrich Your
Pesach Seder.”
Rabbi continues to teach a series
of classes entitled “What Do Jews
Believe?” In March, the topic was
“The Chosen People, Chosen for
What?” On May 11, from 11 a.m.
Rabbi Mordechai Levin was installed earlier this year.
to noon, Rabbi Levin will discuss
“The Meaning of the Mitzvot.”
Rabbi Ostrovsky welcomes students to his weekly class in which
they “Learn to Read the Torah.”
We continue to enjoy a series of
stimulating live broadcasts from
the 92nd Street Y in New York
City. In recent weeks, we’ve heard
from pioneering TV anchors Jane
Pauley and Tom Brokaw; Middle
East expert, Michael Doran; and
author Simon Schama, discussing his new book and PBS series,
“The Story of the Jews.” At 7 p.m.,
May 6, Ruth Reichl, The New York
Times restaurant critic and Gourmet editor, will be interviewed by
Randy Cohen. For reservations, call the CBI office,
219-922-0101. Tickets are
$10 per person.
On the weekend of May
16 to 18, we will welcome
Peter Pitzele as a Scholarin-Residence. Employing a
technique known as bibliodrama, Dr. Pitzele uses role
playing or improvisational
theater to investigate the
Bible in an exciting and lively way.
On Friday night, at the
end of the service and before dinner, he will discuss
“What is Bibliodrama? Midrash and Mischief in the
Garden of Eden.”
On Saturday, following
lunch, his presentation will
be “Looking Towards Shavuot: A
Bibliodramatic Approach to the
Book of Ruth.”
Sunday morning he will lead a
program with fifth and sixth grade
Hebrew School students and their
parents. For additional details,
please call the CBI office.
OBITUARIES
William Ralph Behm, DDS, age 82, of Highland Park, IL,
devoted and respected Orthodontist and avid antique collector. Beloved husband of the late Lois, nee Lurie, for
57 wonderful years; loving father of Dr. David (Donna)
Behm, Debbie (Marc) Stookal, Ron (Karen) Behm and
Nancy (Dr. David) Gross; proud Grandpa to 14 grandchildren Harry, Nick, Andy, Amanda, Chris, Rhiannon,
Brian, Lauren, Danny, Julie, Amy, Sami, Rachel, Elly
and two great grandchildren; devoted son of the late
Nathan and Doris Behm; dearest brother of Helene (the
late Jack) Kramer and the late Mildred (the late Martin) Rabin; brother-in Law of Beverlee (Seymour) Nodell,
Shirlee (the late David) Levin and the late Mickey Lurie;
dear uncle, cousin and friend to many.
Eve Berke (nee Evanson) of Munster, Miller Beach and
Indiana Harbor passed away Sunday, January 12, 2014,
one day before her 89th birthday. Eve will be sorely
missed by her sons: Art (Bonnie) and Larry; daughter
Marilyn (Andrew); sister-in-law, Elsie Mintz; grandchildren; great granddaughter; nieces and nephew. She was
preceded in death by her parents: Rose and Isadore Evanson; husband, Seymour; brother, Meyer (Louise); sisters:
Ann (Jay) and Toby (Gerald); and many others who had
the privilege of knowing her. While Eve was a gifted
Indiana Jewish
Historical Society
hosts April meeting at CBI
The Indiana Jewish Historical Society is having its
2014 Spring Meeting at 1 p.m., Sunday, April 27 at
Congregation Beth Israel in Munster.
The program features Michael Katz, who will discuss his father, Martin Katz, past mayor of Gary. In
addition, Ernest Fruehauf will present a history of
Congregation Beth Israel.
Light refreshments will be served at a reception
following the discussion.
This event is free and open to the community.
The Indiana Jewish Historical Society collects, preserves, and publishes material about the history of
Jews in Indiana.
Created more than 40 years ago, the IJHS is the
only organization in the state focusing exclusively
on the history of the Indiana Jewish experience.
The IJHS’s archive collection at the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis contains more than
8,500 items.
IJHS board members will be collecting archive material for our collections at the Indiana Historical Society. Please have all documents/photos identified
and in a protective envelope.
nursery school teacher, a valuable employee of the Lake
County Treasurer’s Office and active in the Jewish community, family and friends were the center of her life. She
always put others ahead of herself, and her kind and selfess nature endeared Eve to everyone she met. The family
is deeply grateful for the caring and compassion shown by
the countless healthcare professionals at Munster MedInn and Munster Community Hospital.
Dr. Gilbert Z. Given, 80, of Flossmoor. Beloved husband of Penny
(nee Davidson); loving father of Angie (John) Cook, Alan
(Reem) and Andrew (Jamie) Given; dear Papa of Logan
and Riley Cook, Adriana and Bradley Given, and a soon
to arrive grandchild in July; uncle of Jeffrey (Cyd) Given,
Leslie (Brian) Wielogorski and David (Nancy) Given.
Bernard “Buddy” Gross Levenberg, 70, of Scottsdale, formerly of Schererville, IN, died on January 20, 2014. He
graduated from Horace Mann High School in Gary, IN
and the University of Michigan (BA and MS). Buddy ran
the family business, American Supply Co., until he retired
at 58. He was a passionate golfer and a solid tennis player. A “mensch,” he was always there for his family and
friends. Buddy was brilliant and stubborn, his insights
deep, his wit sharp. He is survived by his wife, Susan;
two children: Heather (Alan) Cole and Kerry (Shara) Levenberg; grandchildren: Daniel, Lauren, and Jamie Cole,
and Abigail Hall- Levenberg; siblings: Richard (Patricia)
and Linda (John) Hill. Preceded in death by his parents:
Milton and Thelma; and brother, Robert (Claire).
Andrew J. Gregor, age 75, of Crown Point, passed away
on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at Methodist Hospital
Southlake Campus in Merrillville. Andrew is survived by
his wife, Nancy, of 52 years; two children: Trish Gregor
of Chicago and Mark (Kelli) Gregor of Carmel; three
grandsons: Austin, Eric, and Luke; brother-in-law, Don
(Lisa) Wyatt. He was preceded in death by his parents:
Steve and Mary Gregor; and brother, Steve. Andrew was
a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. He retired from
Federal Mogul in Michigan City. Andrew was a graduate
of Tolleston High School and an avid Chicago Bears and
Cubs fan.
Eloise (Milgram) Lipsig, 95, of Munster, IN and formerly of
Colon, MI passed away January 31, 2014. She was preceded in death by Armin J. Lipsig, her loving husband
of 66 years; sister, Shirley (Milgram) Berke; brother-inlaw, Harry Berke; and niece, Toni Berke. She was loving mother to Bob (Joan) Lipsig, Rick (Gayle) Lipsig, and
Laurie (Buddy) Pylitt; grandmother to Tracey Lipsig
Kite, Lynn Lipsig, Adam Pylitt, Chelsea Pylitt and Ali
Pylitt; and great grandmother to Charlotte and Hannah
Kite, and Caleb Thomas Pylitt. She is also survived by
niece, Nancy Burge. Eloise was founder, with her husband, Armin, of Armin Lipsig Jewelers with locations in
Hammond, IN, and suburban Chicago malls.
David Roth Mandel, 93 of Munster, IN passed away on
Monday, February 17, 2014. He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Esther; daughter, Linda (Jonathan)
Shalen; grandsons: Jacob and Joshua Shalen; sister-inlaw and brother-in- law: Sylvia and Marvin Asher; dear
cousin, Idie Friedman; and several cousins, nieces, and
nephews. Preceded in death by his parents: Louis and
Gussie Mandel; brother, Harold Mandel; sisters: Mildred
Dickenson, Eleanor and Miriam Mandel.
Robert Rottenberg, 85, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 4. Survived by his loving wife of 60 yrs Jane Ellen, nee Appleman;
Children: Scott Rottenberg (Jimmy Korshak) and Lynn
Dennen; grandchildren, Emily, Tyler & Julia Dennen.
Ronald Steven Silverman, age 65, of Hammond, IN passed
away November 10, 2013. He is survived by his loving
mother, Sylvia of Hammond; two loving brothers: Larry
and Bruce. Preceded in death by his father Harry Silverman. Ronald was born and raised in Hammond.
Sheila Ann (Rose) Tropp, 79, of Athens, GA passed away on
February 9, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was a former resident of the Miller neighborhood of
Gary, IN, where she lived for close to 50 years before relocating to Georgia in 2012 to be near one of her daughters.
A native of Washington, DC, Mrs. Tropp lived in Miami,
Chicago, and Highland Park, IL before relocating to Gary
upon her marriage to the late Henry S. Tropp, with whom
she raised five children. During her child-raising years,
she was an active volunteer and founding board member
of the former Hebrew Academy of Northwest Indiana.
Sheila was predeceased in 2012 by her partner of many
years, Martin March. She is survived by five children:
Debra (Joel Kaufman) of Kensington, MD; David (Rumi
Yoshimi) of Tokyo, Japan; Iris (John Glushka) of Athens,
GA; Jacob (Elizabeth Herrmann) of Bristol, VT; and Linda of Northampton, MA; six grandchildren: Henry Yoshimi Tropp, Sarah Yoshimi Tropp, Nathan Glushka, Lillian
Glushka, Rosa Tropp and Samuel Tropp; a brother, Denis
(Sandra) Rose of Great Falls, VA; and numerous nieces,
nephews, cousins and friends.
Samuel Weinstein, 89, of 18 Tower Lane, New Haven,
Conn., formerly of Highland, Ind., devoted husband of
the late Eva (Vine) Weinstein, died at Yale-New Haven
Hospital/St Raphael’s Campus on Nov. 25, 2013. Born in
New Haven, March 7, 1924, he was a son of the late Isadore & Zelda Weinstein. Beloved Father of Irene (Louis)
Katz of Washington, D.C., Michael Weinstein of Pittsburgh, Pa., Barbara Weinstein of Ft. Lauderdale, Frances (Sean) Yates of Liberty, Ind. Dear brother of the late
Louis Weinstein & Sylvia Bickoff. Cherished grandfather
of Stacy (Gene) Pecar & Daniel Weinstein. Treasured
Great-Grandfather of Evan Jacob Pecar.
Otto A. Wilner, 87, World War II Veteran. Loving husband
of the late Deborah, nee Graivier. Son of the late Sam
and Esther. Amazing dad of Karyn (Steven) Brodsky
and Marla (Andrew) Fleishman. Proud Papa of Joshua
& Benjamin Brodsky, Abby & Lily Fleishman. Brother of
late Tess Bashuk, Maury, Jack, Abraham, Louis, Meyer
Wilner. Special brother of the late Dr. Leonard (Pauline)
Graivier. Uncle of David (Roberta) Wilner, Lisa (Carl)
Barnes, Miles (Kathy) Graivier, Tracy (Jay) Bell, and
others. Otto had a contagious smile, a devilish sense of
humor, and loved old movies, ice cream, and Oreos. He
will be dearly missed.
GROUP TRIP: SOUTH BEND LEGENDS  MAY 1  TRANSPORTATION INCLUDED  CALL FOR DETAILS 219-922-4024
Israel Solidarity Day
Sunday, May 4
Food Music Art
Illiana News Passover/April 2014 Page12
a day of
activities
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Join Us!
At the Jewish Federation Community Building, 585 Progress, Munster
Yom HaZikaron
10 a.m. Memorial Service Presented
By NOAR Teen Group
Jerusalem market
An Authentic Israel ‘Shuk’
All Day 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. featuring
Art, Judaica, jewelry & More
Falafel Stand
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Chef Sigy Rafalovitz
Dayan Family Singers
1 p.m. Shuli, Moshe & Ofek Dayan
from the Western Galilee
Our Partnership Region in Israel
Volunteers
Needed!
Please contact
Michael Steinberg
219-922-4024
The Jewish Federation 585 Progress Avenue
Munster, IN 46321
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Dyer, IN
Permit 2118